- Android 16 introduces bugs in gesture and button navigation on Google Pixel devices.
- Incidents affect users randomly and not all users equally.
- The community has reported delays, crashes, and unresponsive browsing.
- It is recommended not to update yet until Google releases a stable solution.
In recent days, the navigation errors that some Google Pixel users have been suffering after the recent arrival of Android 16 are becoming a hot topic on forums and social media. Several owners of these devices claim that the update has complicated their daily use of the smartphone, with particularly notable problems in the gestures and virtual navigation buttonsAlthough many expected a more stable system, the reality is that for a significant number of people Navigating through menus and applications has become an annoying and unsmooth task..
Since Android 16 was rolled out to the Google Pixel, Complaints about crashes or erratic responses in the main controls have been increasingThis issue, far from being anecdotal, is beginning to be reflected in communities such as Reddit or X itself (formerly Twitter), where testimonies from users affected by these errors are accumulating. The relevant thing is that The errors are occurring both in those who use gesture navigation and in those who prefer the traditional bottom buttons..
Widespread navigation issues after updating to Android 16
Early users who tested the update have already noticed that in certain Google Pixel models, gesture navigation stops working properly at random times. Swipe to open recent apps or switch between screens It can get stuck or respond with a delay of several seconds. Some sufferers report pauses of more than half a minute before regaining control, which significantly impacts their daily experience with the phone. Some report that the situation can even render the device inoperable during these freezes.
Those who still use the classic button bar have also encountered very annoying delays when scrolling through apps or returning to the home screenMany users explain that the error is not constant: it can come and go at random periods of time, causing everything to work fine for a while and then fail again for no apparent reason. Some have tried Restarting the phone or switching between gestures and buttons without achieving a permanent solution.
These failures are not limited to a single model, as they have been reported in variants such as the Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 6 Pro, and the newer Pixel 9 ProSome users have managed to temporarily reduce the issue by forcibly stopping the app launcher or switching launchers, although these remedies don't work in all cases.
Users share their experiences and possible solutions
In forums and online communities, several affected people have shared steps that have helped them mitigate the problemAmong the most cited solutions is accessing the settings menu, locating the application launcher (Pixel Launcher), and forcing it to close. Another common trick is reinstalling or changing the launcher, which helps in some cases, although it doesn't guarantee permanent error elimination. It may also be helpful to check out how to troubleshoot common Android problems to detect if any configuration may be affecting navigation in other aspects of the system.
They have also been reported situations where the mobile phone turns off or restarts by itself, and even devices that after updating became partially inoperative. However, it is important to highlight that Not all users are experiencing these errorsSome claim their devices are working normally after the update, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the true extent of the problem.
So far, Google has not issued any official statement. acknowledging the situation or offering an immediate patch to correct these flaws. However, the number of reports continues to grow, so the company is likely gathering information to release a corrective update in the future. In the meantime, Those who haven't installed Android 16 yet can postpone the update to avoid complications..
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.